There’s a new generation of speed camera on the way, able to take legally admissible images in low light, and in both directions. Instead of a conventional lens, it uses infrared and radar technology, able to take images and video recordings in all conditions, including bad weather and low light, with good enough quality to identify number plates.

The other new feature, which makes the Vector more significant for motorcyclists, is that it can capture images in both directions – conventional speed cameras usually only take images in one direction and are usually set up to face the front of a vehicle, which favours bikes, which of course don’t have a front number plate. The Vector, being bi-directional, will always find an image of a readable number plate. Another advantage over existing cameras is that the new kit is remarkably small and weighs only 8kg, light enough to attach to existing street furniture.

It can also be used to capture red light or level crossing incidents, as well as monitor traffic flow and pass ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) information to the authorities. And as it doesn’t flash, you may not realise that you’ve been caught on camera.

Jim Freeman, Chair of the BMF, said: “More Big Brother tech, at this rate, will there be any road signs, lampposts etcetera without some sort of camera device added? Welcome to Staziland 2023. Policing by consent? I wouldn’t bet on it. Apparently the casualty rate for Outer London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) cameras is rather high, I wonder what the anticipated rate for Vector devices is? Of course, the solution is probably more cameras watching over the ULEZ or Vector cameras, to prevent ‘vandalisation of state property’, with 10 years forced labour in a camp near you, as the penalty. Oops, channelling that ‘Gulag feeling’ again. Seems to happen frequently these days.”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of Matt Seymour – Unsplash